What began as a term to express how the natural environment around wine imparts certain flavor characteristics has recently expanded its gastronomic
definition.

Morgan Tucker

Culinary talent now use this word to communicate the senses of their cuisine. The specifics of time and place expressed through food when executed well is transformative. If dinnerware, flatware, and glassware are accurately curated for said terroir, genuine cuisine is elevated even further.

I’ve spent more than half my life in the Catskill Mountains, but was truly introduced to the terroir of upstate New York for the first time last month. Just over 100 miles northwest of New York City is the town of Livingston Manor, where The DeBruce recently opened its doors. Foraged and locally sourced ingredients were presented on a combination of natural elements and stark white Front of the House porcelain surfaces. The iconic Juilliard flatware pattern from Oneida (recognized by its understated trefoil detail at the tip end) ties a rooted history to a developing, sustainable future. Weightless, crisply rimmed stemware, Climats from Hospitality Glass Brands, fits this pure setting. Each tabletop selection is carefully designed to fade away or appear as if it has existed in this setting for centuries while a suspended glass walled dining room overlooks a captivating terroir of mountains and valley.

I have the privilege of working alongside partners that cherish our planet. Just like Foster Supply Hospitality Group, proprietors of The DeBruce and other upstate New York gems, the team behind Eataly is committed to highlighting the natural environment into all aspects of their operation.

Earlier this year, Eataly hosted a vendor reception to offer appreciation toward its partners, announce major expansion plans and re-introduce The Eataly Manifesto. This document, which can be found publically on Eataly.com, presents this company’s values. As their partner, we strive to work in these parameters, which include a focus on modern yet traditional methods, quality, and a respect for Mother Earth. Sambonet flatware and Bormioli Rocco glassware honor Italian heritage. Steelite branded dinnerware pioneered the lifetime warranty for quality assurance. Disposable packaging is always selected with beauty and sustainability in mind.

Upon departing the brilliant event, each purveyor was presented with a copy of Carlos Petrini’s Loving the Earth.

In this book, Petrini interviews extraordinary humans who are integral in building a better world through food. I was most deeply moved by Michel Bras’ interview, a multi-Michelin-starred chef, known for the rebirth of his area of origin, Laguiole, through a revival of productive traditions and biodiversity conservation work. He states, “A proficient cook reifies his landscapes, his whole universe, in his dishes.” A Google search of Bras’ work will yield a natural, simple tablescape that supports a perched, expansive view of Southern France. Timeless designs mimic the dining room’s shadows, all curated to draw attention to their inimitable terroir.

At Little M Tucker, we’re trending back to white dinnerware with each of these deliberate concepts in mind. Our sponsorship of Roots Innovate 2017 at The Chef’s Garden this month will feature our partnership with master designer Martin Kastner. Our latest stocking collections feature clean, subtle designs inspired by the formations and forces of nature from his Crucial Detail portfolio.

Consider stepping away from the notion that farm to table dinnerware needs to look rustic, eclectic and vintage. Beauty and unexpected simplicity transformed these featured destinations, allowing each to express terroir naturally.

To hear more on this topic, follow @littlemtucker on Instagram or littlemtuckernyc on Facebook for a live feed from #RootsInnovate2017 on Ingenious New Plating Ideas at approximately 2:50pm on Monday, September 25th featuring Martin Kastner.

Should you prefer to join us in person, we’re giving away a free ticket! Visit our website littlemtucker.com or email us at littlemtucker@mtucker.com for more info.